Special Olympics GB National Games Sheffield 2017http://sheffield2017.org.uk
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 09:14:41 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.17Sheffield Hallam University becomes Games Supporterhttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/sheffield-hallam-university-becomes-games-supporter/
Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:39:02 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=2094Special Olympics GB is delighted to confirm that Sheffield Hallam University has come on board as an official supporter of the 2017 #Sheffield17 National Games which start next week. The Special Olympics athletics events will take place 8-11th August at the Sheffield Hallam University City Athletics Stadium and will be one of the biggest single […]

]]>Special Olympics GB is delighted to confirm that Sheffield Hallam University has come on board as an official supporter of the 2017 #Sheffield17 National Games which start next week.

The Special Olympics athletics events will take place 8-11th August at the Sheffield Hallam University City Athletics Stadium and will be one of the biggest single events of the Games with around 600 athletes and an additional 1,400 people in attendance as volunteers, spectators and officials.

SHU Sports Park will host the football HUB from 8-11th August with around 300 athletes, 150 volunteers and officials and 900 spectators on site.

Forty Sheffield Hallam University students will be volunteering at the Special Olympics where they will be assisting the athletes, looking after families and ensuring the smooth running of the event.

Dan Porter, head of sports services at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering the Special Olympics and it promises to be a fantastic and inspiring week of sport in the city.

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes to the University’s City Athletics Stadium and Sports Park which is a testament to the quality of the sports facilities we have here at Hallam and in Sheffield.”

]]>Speedo becomes Games Supporterhttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/speedo-becomes-games-supporter/
Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:37:00 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=2090 Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to confirm that iconic swimwear brand Speedo will become an Official Supporter for the flagship 2017 Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August. Rob Hicking, Brand Director from Speedo, said: “Speedo is proud to support the Special Olympics and we look forward to seeing the great talent […]

Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to confirm that iconic swimwear brand Speedo will become an Official Supporter for the flagship 2017 Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August.

Rob Hicking, Brand Director from Speedo, said: “Speedo is proud to support the Special Olympics and we look forward to seeing the great talent of the athletes as well as celebrating their success at the games.”

Held every four years, the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest disability multi sports event in 2017.

The Games are for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities. This National Summer Games is the tenth in the history of Special Olympics GB and will see around 2,600 athletes compete in 20 sports – including Swimming Judo, Table Tennis, Athletics, Badminton, Golf, Sailing, Gymnastics, Football and Tennis – across over a dozen Sheffield and South Yorkshire venues.

]]>Three Time World Squash Champ & Sheffield Hero Nick Matthew becomes Special Olympics #Sheffield17 National Games Ambassadorhttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/three-time-world-squash-champ-sheffield-hero-nick-matthew-becomes-special-olympics-sheffield17-national-games-ambassador/
Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:15:07 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1771Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to announce that Nick Matthew – three-time World Squash Champion and resident of Sheffield – is to be a new Ambassador for the charity’s National Games in Sheffield this summer. Nick commented: “”I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for the 2017 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games […]

]]>Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to announce that Nick Matthew – three-time World Squash Champion and resident of Sheffield – is to be a new Ambassador for the charity’s National Games in Sheffield this summer.

Nick commented: “”I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for the 2017 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games being held in my home city of Sheffield this summer.

“I know it will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and will hopefully inspire people of all abilities to make sport a part of their lives.”

Special Olympics GB’s tenth National Summer Games will be held for the second time in Sheffield – the first time was back in the steel city in 1993. This is the largest disability sports event of 2017 and entry is free to the public for all sporting action. Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

The National Summer Games will open on Tuesday 8th August – with a spectacular opening ceremony at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane – and will continue with four days of sport. It is the showpiece event every four years for the organisation and its athletes. Almost 1.5 million people in the UK (2% of the population) have an intellectual disability.

The public can buy tickets for the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 8 August at Bramall Lane now online at

Tony Hadley, James Toseland, Chris Kamara, Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, Suzi Perry and many other acts will be performing. Tickets start at £5.

Special Olympics GB provides year-round sports coaching and events for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics GB’s National Games is the largest sports disability event in 2017 and will see 2,600 athletes compete across over a dozen venues in 20 sports in August in the steel city. Special Olympics Great Britain’s sports training and competition across England, Scotland and Wales positively changes the quality of life for their 10,000 registered athletes. Almost 1.5 million people in Great Britain (2% of the population) have intellectual disabilities.

A list of the 20 sports at Special Olympics 2017 National Games include:

The Games gives athletes with an intellectual (learning) disability the opportunity to achieve and to demonstrate their abilities to the community.

The event will attract athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities from across England, Scotland and Wales.

Through participation in this large national competition, people with an intellectual (learning) disability will acquire the confidence and social and life skills that will help their inclusion in society.

The games offer people the opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference when coaching, officiating and volunteering at the event.

Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of a year-round, all ability, sports programme in Great Britain and supports over 10,000 athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities on a continued basis.

Across England, Scotland and Wales, approximately 27,000 regular sports coaching sessions of at least 1 hour each, are delivered locally each year by 140 accredited programmes across 28 different sports.

This coaching activity leads to an annual average of 100 all ability, inclusive sports competitions. Its competition pathways make Special Olympics Great Britain unique within the disability sports sector as it provides, for athletes of all abilities, opportunities to compete and progress at local, regional, national and international levels. This extensive programme is led by over 4,000 dedicated volunteers in a variety of sports coaching, administrative, event, logistic, fundraising and supporting roles.

For our athletes, excellence is personal achievement, a reflection of reaching one’s maximum potential – it is a goal to which everyone can aspire.

For those Special Olympics athletes who attain an elite level in their sport, we signpost and support a pathway into Paralympics and other elite competitions.

]]>Meadowhall becomes an Official Supporter for Special Olympics National Gameshttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/meadowhall-becomes-official-supporter-special-olympics-national-games/
Tue, 04 Jul 2017 16:36:49 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1744Special Olympics Great Britain has announced Meadowhall as an Official Supporter for its showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield in August. Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest sports event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities. This National Summer Games is the tenth in the history […]

]]>Special Olympics Great Britain has announced Meadowhall as an Official Supporter for its showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield in August.

Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest sports event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

This National Summer Games is the tenth in the history of Special Olympics GB and will see around 2,600 athletes compete in 20 sports – including Judo, Athletics, Golf Sailing, Football and Tennis – across over a dozen Sheffield and South Yorkshire venues.

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, commented: “To have Meadowhall as a supporter of the Games is a huge boost. They will make an important contribution to the promotion and success of these Games which will benefit our Special Olympics GB athletes.”

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall Centre Director added: “Like Karen, we are delighted to be involved and supporting the Special Olympics GB in Sheffield. It’s a real coup for the city to attract such a high-profile event and Meadowhall will be helping to fly the flag for all the competitors over the coming weeks.

“There are many varied sports taking place over the four days and the Meadowhall team are all looking forward to seeing some spectacular competitions unfold across Sheffield and the region come August.”

A list of all the sports and the venues at Special Olympics 2017 National Games include:

]]>Bank of America Merrill Lynch announced as an Official Supporter of Special Olympics GB National Summer Gameshttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/bank-america-merrill-lynch-announced-official-supporter-special-olympics-gb-national-summer-games/
Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:56:43 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1706Special Olympics Great Britain has announced Bank of America Merrill Lynch as an Official Supporter of their showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield later this year. As an Official Supporter, Bank of America Merrill Lynch will provide volunteers for the Opening Ceremony and support the Play Unified Summit calling for a more inclusive society. Held […]

]]>Special Olympics Great Britain has announced Bank of America Merrill Lynch as an Official Supporter of their showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield later this year. As an Official Supporter, Bank of America Merrill Lynch will provide volunteers for the Opening Ceremony and support the Play Unified Summit calling for a more inclusive society.

Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest sports event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

This year’s event marks the tenth in the history of Special Olympics GB and will see around 2,600 athletes compete in 20 sports – including Judo, Athletics, Golf, Sailing, Football and Tennis – across over a dozen Sheffield and South Yorkshire venues.

Bank of America has been a global partner of Special Olympics since 2003. Their long history of support spans over three decades as part of their ongoing commitment to achieving the goal of a more diverse and inclusive society. Other recent Special Olympics Games supported by the company include the World Summer Games (Los Angeles, 2015) and World Winter Games (Austria 2017). Bank employees are also mentoring 15 Special Olympics GB athletes through the 2017 Athlete Leadership programme.

Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, President EMEA at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: “Building on our company’s 30 year history with Special Olympics, we are delighted to support the 2017 Special Olympics GB National Games. Our role will enable us to extend our support of the charity’s Athlete Leadership Programme and further spread the message of inclusion and respect for all.”

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, commented: “We are thrilled to have secured Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a supporter of the Games. The company will make a significant contribution to the success of these Games, and will help deliver a great experience for our athletes.”

A list of the 20 sports and the venues at Special Olympics 2017 National Games include:

* Special Olympics GB is a charity and the largest provider of a year-round sports programme in Great Britain and supports over 10,000 people of all abilities with intellectual (learning) disabilities. Across, England, Scotland and Wales, approximately 27,000 regular sports coaching sessions of at least one hour are delivered locally each year by 140 accredited programmes across 28 different sports.

* This coaching activity leads to an annual average of 100 all ability, inclusive sports competitions. Its competition pathways make Special Olympics Great Britain unique within the disability sports sector as it provides for athletes of all abilities, opportunities to compete and progress at local, regional, national and international levels. This extensive programme is led by over 4,000 dedicated volunteers in a variety of sports coaching, administrative, event, logistic, fundraising and supporting roles.
* For Special Olympics GB athletes, excellence is personal achievement, a reflection of reaching one’s maximum potential – a goal to which everyone can aspire. For those Special Olympics athletes who attain an elite level in their sport, we support a pathway into Paralympics and other elite competitions.

* Special Olympics GB is part of a global movement that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to nearly 5 million children and adults with intellectual (learning) disabilities in more than 170 countries. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F Kennedy, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to realise their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and build friendships. Special Olympics is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a member of the Olympic family. It is the only sports organisation authorised by the IOC to use the word ‘Olympics’ in its title.

* Special Olympics Great Britain is a registered charity and is generously supported annually by Founding Partner Coca-Cola Great Britain and Official Partners and Supporters: National Grid, Coca Cola Enterprises, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, The Geoff & Fiona Squire Foundation, Lions Clubs International (MD105) and CMS Cameron McKenna.

* There are an estimated 1.5 million people (2% population) with an intellectual (learning) disability in Great Britain. The year-round sport provided by Special Olympics is important to people with learning disabilities because adults and children with intellectual disabilities tend to have poorer health and the many emotional and physical problems associated with inactivity.

Bank of America Merrill lYNCH Environment, Social and Governance

At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with not-for-profits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organisations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter @BofAML.

]]>James Toseland releases Special Olympics GB National Games Anthem – ‘We’ll Stop At Nothing’http://sheffield2017.org.uk/james-toseland-releases-special-olympics-gb-national-games-anthem-well-stop-nothing/
Wed, 31 May 2017 09:21:18 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1685Special Olympics GB National Games #Sheffield17 #SeeingIsBelieving Tuesday 8th August – Friday 11th August 2017 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLSSdYB3IEE&t=34s Special Olympics GB is thrilled to announce that James Toseland – former double World Superbikes Champion turned rock music artist and icon – has with Toby Jepson written, produced and re-recorded ‘We’ll Stop at Nothing’ to become the 2017 […]

Special Olympics GB is thrilled to announce that James Toseland – former double World Superbikes Champion turned rock music artist and icon – has with Toby Jepson written, produced and re-recorded ‘We’ll Stop at Nothing’ to become the 2017 Official Special Olympics National Summer Games Anthem. The song is being released today with all profits going to the charity to support athletes with learning disability.

Born in South Yorkshire, James was the 2004 and 2007 World Superbike Champion. Post Superbikes, James’ career has taken off in the world of music, fronting Toseland who have released two critically acclaimed albums and toured the UK and Europe, sharing stages with some of rock music’s biggest names.

‘We’ll Stop At Nothing’ originally appeared on the Toseland album ‘Cradle The Rage’ where the track was spotted by Special Olympics GB. James was then invited to re-record the track along with the sensational Sheffield Choir ‘ChorusUK’ recently at the wonderful Sheffield City Hall, who assisted the project brilliantly.

Special Olympics GB’s National Games are to be held in Sheffield and South Yorkshire this August and will see in the region of 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities take part in 20 sports events. Special Olympics GB’s tenth National Summer Games will be held for the second time in Sheffield – the first time was back in the steel city in 1993. This is the largest disability sports event of 2017 and entry is free to the public for all sporting action.

Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities. The National Summer Games will open on Tuesday 8th August – with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane – and will continue with four days of sport.

James and his band Toseland will perform the Official Special Olympics Games Anthem at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony.

The National Games is the showpiece event every four years for Special Olympics GB and its athletes. Almost 1.5 million people in the UK (2% of the population) have an intellectual disability.

James commented: “I am proud to have written, produced and re-recorded this song as the Official Anthem for Special Olympics GB’s National Games in Sheffield.

“Coming from the area, I know how passionate the people in Yorkshire are for their sport and they will embrace the athletes, family and friends of Special Olympics.

“The highlight of my sporting career was to win the World Superbike Championship for two different manufacturers but music gives me a different but same amount of joy.

“I hope in this song I have captured the energy, spirit, passion and fun of Special Olympics GB and their brilliant athletes.

“When I wrote the lyrics to ‘We’ll Stop At Nothing’ I had just been forced to retire from being a sportsman and the song is all about fighting to get back up again when we all inevitably get knocked down.

“Seeing the incredibly brave athletes pushing themselves to the limits regardless of their individual disabilities, captures their resilience and adaptability to succeed regardless of the challenges ahead.

“Being a part of the Special Olympics GB has given my song the exact narrative it was written about.”

“I’m very excited about the event in August.”

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB said: “It is tremendous that James has re-recorded ‘We’ll Stop At Nothing’ for us to use as the 2017 Special Olympics Games Anthem and that he is donating all profits to the charity.

“We are thrilled James has become an Ambassador and is already helping us to raise awareness of the work that we do across the country every day and for the athletes with intellectual disabilities that we work with.”

]]>Xactium becomes an Official Supporter for Special Olympics National Gameshttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/xactium-becomes-official-supporter-special-olympics-national-games/
Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:16:39 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1609Xactium becomes an Official Supporter for Special Olympics National Games Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to confirm that Sheffield based company Xactium will become an Official Supporter for the showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield later this year. Xactium is a software company that is providing innovative risk management IT systems for household brands in the […]

]]>Xactium becomes an Official Supporter for Special Olympics National Games

Special Olympics Great Britain is delighted to confirm that Sheffield based company Xactium will become an Official Supporter for the showpiece 2017 National Games in Sheffield later this year. Xactium is a software company that is providing innovative risk management IT systems for household brands in the UK and Europe.

Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest disability sports event in 2017. The Games are for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities. This National Summer Games is the tenth in the history of Special Olympics GB and will see around 2,600 athletes compete in 20 sports – including Judo, Table Tennis, Athletics, Badminton, Golf, Sailing, Football and Tennis – across over a dozen Sheffield and South Yorkshire venues.

Andy Evans, Xactium CEO, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the 2017 Special Olympics GB National Games in our home city of Sheffield. Making a difference to our own community and encouraging equal opportunities have always been core values in our business and we are proud to be promoting the diversity and positivity the Games will bring about. Our target as a company is to raise £5000 and as you can see from the picture, we are half way there, with several fundraising events planned in the coming months to reach this target.”

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, commented: “We are thrilled to have signed up Xactium as a supporter of the Special Olympics National Games. It is a huge boost to have businesses based in Sheffield supporting the Games. Xactium’s support will ensure the National Games are a success for the City and the Special Olympics GB athletes.”

A list of the 20 sports and the venues at Special Olympics 2017 National Games include:

There are various sponsor packages to suit budgets of companies from the Sheffield region and beyond. To discuss how your company, employees, customers and clients can get involved, please contact bonnie.clayton@sogb.org.uk

Our confirmed sponsors so far include:

Presenting Sponsors – Sheffield City Council, Sport England.

Games Partners – Stagecoach Yorkshire.

Games Sponsors – Coca Cola European Partners, Sheffield United Football Club.

* Special Olympics GB is a charity and the largest provider of a year-round sports programme in Great Britain and supports over 10,000 people of all abilities with intellectual (learning) disabilities. Across, England, Scotland and Wales, approximately 27,000 regular sports coaching sessions of at least one hour are delivered locally each year by 140 accredited programmes across 28 different sports.

* This coaching activity leads to an annual average of 100 all ability, inclusive sports competitions. Its competition pathways make Special Olympics Great Britain unique within the disability sports sector as it provides for athletes of all abilities, opportunities to compete and progress at local, regional, national and international levels. This extensive programme is led by over 4,000 dedicated volunteers in a variety of sports coaching, administrative, event, logistic, fundraising and supporting roles.

* For Special Olympics GB athletes, excellence is personal achievement, a reflection of reaching one’s maximum potential – a goal to which everyone can aspire. For those Special Olympics athletes who attain an elite level in their sport, we support a pathway into Paralympics and other elite competitions.

* Special Olympics GB is part of a global movement that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to nearly 5 million children and adults with intellectual (learning) disabilities in more than 170 countries. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F Kennedy, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to realise their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and build friendships. Special Olympics is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a member of the Olympic family. It is the only sports organisation authorised by the IOC to use the word ‘Olympics’ in its title.

* Special Olympics Great Britain is a registered charity and is generously supported annually by Founding Partner Coca-Cola Great Britain and Official Partners and Supporters: National Grid, Coca Cola Enterprises, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, The Geoff & Fiona Squire Foundation, Lions Clubs International (MD105) and CMS Cameron McKenna.

* There are an estimated 1.5 million people (2% population) with an intellectual (learning) disability in Great Britain. The year-round sport provided by Special Olympics is important to people with learning disabilities because adults and children with intellectual disabilities tend to have poorer health and the many emotional and physical problems associated with inactivity.

]]>SOS GROUP SUPPORTING SPECIAL OLYMPICS GB’S SHOWPIECE NATIONAL GAMES EVENThttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/sos-group-supporting-special-olympics-gbs-showpiece-national-games-event/
Thu, 09 Mar 2017 17:24:42 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1595Andrew Skelton (SOS Group) with two athletes from Gateshead Special Olympics who are going to Sheffield. Jake Gradon (aged 23 from Winlaton) and Mark Proctor (wearing a cap – aged 25 from Sunniside). Gateshead-based print management company Smart Office Systems Ltd (SOS Group) has been selected to become a Special Olympics GB National Games Supporter […]

Andrew Skelton (SOS Group) with two athletes from Gateshead Special Olympics who are going to Sheffield.
Jake Gradon (aged 23 from Winlaton) and Mark Proctor (wearing a cap – aged 25 from Sunniside).

Gateshead-based print management company Smart Office Systems Ltd (SOS Group) has been selected to become a Special Olympics GB National Games Supporter at #Sheffield17.

Special Olympics Great Britain announced this week that SOS Group will be a National Games Partner for this spectacular event, which is coming to Sheffield in August.

Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

The 10th National Summer Games will see 2,600 athletes compete in 20 sports across a dozen venues in Sheffield between 7th and 12th August.

Andrew Skelton, Director of SOS Group, said: “We are honoured to support Special Olympics GB’s National Games and so many fantastic athletes with learning disabilities.

“We have long-standing links with our local Special Olympics Club in Gateshead and we know how much this competition means to them. The excitement is building already and we can’t wait to see at first hand the achievements of these talented and committed athletes.”

SOS Group will be providing managed print services, including photocopiers, printers and engineering support, across all the competition venues.

Ensuring information is promptly supplied for athletes and their support teams will be vital to the success of the Games.

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, commented: “We are thrilled to have this support from Smart Office Systems. They will be supporting an amazing event which boasts 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities at the Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August this year.

“At Special Olympics GB we provide year-round sports training and competition for around 10,000 people with intellectual disability across England, Scotland and Wales and the National Games is our pinnacle event every four years.

“Special Olympics GB gives our athletes the platform to achieve their personal best and maximum potential and that will be the spirit of this showpiece event.”

Jake Gradon, a Special Olympics athlete from the Gateshead area attending the Games in Sheffield for the first time, said: “I’m most looking forward to competing and meeting new people. I want to show how good I am and hopefully come back with some medals. I am nervous about the number of people but will try and get over that fast. I will focus on what I am doing.”

Special Olympics Gateshead was one of 150 clubs across England, Scotland and Wales and formed just over two years ago and aims to ensure people with disabilities can fulfil their sporting aspirations and have the same opportunities as people without disabilities. It is a measure of the club’s success that 32 of its athletes have been selected for the Summer Games 2017. SOS Group has supported Special Olympics Gateshead for two years, giving training equipment to athletes, supporting their annual awards celebration and helping raise the funds required to send athletes to Sheffield.

SOS Group Ltd launched in 2002 to supply digital office equipment, related software and support. Based on the Team Valley, the company also has an office in Bristol and services ‘blue chip’ clients nationally and, increasingly, internationally.

It employs 23 staff and its services include document management, scanning, cost consultation, managed print services and supplying and maintaining leading brand digital office equipment. It is an accredited Kyocera UK agent and Lexmark approved partner.

The firm has a long-standing tradition of local charity support and is the key sponsor for fundraiser Mark ‘Run Geordie Run’ Allison as he continues his Around the World running challenge.

Formed in June 2014, Special Olympics Gateshead has 88 athletes who have participated in training and / or regional and national competitions – winning 188 medals from 35 competitions in the process. For the Special Olympics Gateshead athletes, participating is not only about competing in their chosen sport, it is also about meeting athletes from other areas of the country, making new friends, having fun, facing challenges, improving their health and challenging preconceptions about learning disabilities. Special Olympics Gateshead has qualified coaches who provide training in 9 mainstream sports – Archery, Athletics, Boccia, Cycling, Football, Swimming, Table Tennis, Ten Pin Bowling and Powerlifting – within mainstream facilities including Gateshead Leisure Centre and Gateshead International Stadium. It is one of 141 Special Olympics Clubs in Britain and there are also established clubs in Sunderland and Northumberland.

Special Olympics Gateshead has made phenomenal progress in a short space of time winning three regional awards:

‘Groups who have made a difference’ award at the 2015 North East Equality Awards

‘Putting People First Personalisation’ award at the 2015 North East Care Awards

‘Outstanding Sports Club’ award at the 2015 North East Disability Sports Awards

And one national:

‘Personalisation’ award at the 2016 Great Britain Care Awards in Birmingham in May 2016

]]>STAGECOACH TO DELIVER TRANSPORT OPERATION AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2017 NATIONAL SUMMER GAMEShttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/stagecoach-deliver-transport-operation-special-olympics-2017-national-summer-games/
Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:59:11 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1579Special Olympics GB & Stagecoach Yorkshire officials celebrate the new partnership. From left to right the Stagecoach Yorkshire representatives are: Alan Greenway, Driving Instructor, Pat Beighton, Inspector & John Young, Commercial Director Special Olympics Great Britain has announced a new partnership with bus operator Stagecoach for its National Games in Sheffield later this year. The […]

Special Olympics Great Britain has announced a new partnership with bus operator Stagecoach for its National Games in Sheffield later this year.

The leading bus company will become a Games Partner and provide daily transport for around 3,000 competitors and their sports coaches between their event accommodation and the 13 sports venues during the games, which are taking place in Sheffield between 7th and 12th August 2017.

Held every four years, the flagship Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

This National Summer Games – the tenth in the history of Special Olympics GB – will see athletes compete in 20 sports including Judo, Athletics, Sailing, Football and Tennis – full list below.

John Young, Commercial Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, which is leading on the delivery of the operation. said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the 2017 Special Olympics GB National Games.

“To help make travel easier for the regional delegations, we will be providing dedicated transport across all four days of the event. This will include up to 35 buses to and from the various local sports venues and accommodation.

“This is a really important event for Sheffield and will help put the City on the map. There are so many fantastic facilities in the area and the games will shine a light on everything the area has to offer.”

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, commented: “We are delighted and so grateful for this support from Stagecoach.

“They will be making sure all participants have a fabulous experience during the games in Sheffield by ensuring safe and prompt travel throughout the city and will help make this our most successful event yet!”

]]>SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL GAMES MURAL SET TO BE LAUNCHED IN SHEFFIELDhttp://sheffield2017.org.uk/special-olympics-national-games-mural-set-launched-sheffield/
Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:18:25 +0000http://sheffield2017.org.uk/?p=1592 A special piece of artwork and outdoor mural to celebrate Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August 2017 – is being unveiled today in Sheffield City Centre. This very exciting and ground breaking collaboration between professional Sheffield digital artist Greg Harris, local art students with intellectual (learning) disability and athletes from Special Olympics […]

A special piece of artwork and outdoor mural to celebrate Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August 2017 – is being unveiled today in Sheffield City Centre.

This very exciting and ground breaking collaboration between professional Sheffield digital artist Greg Harris, local art students with intellectual (learning) disability and athletes from Special Olympics GB sees famous Sheffield landmarks celebrated and combine with the images of local icons and Special Olympics Sheffield athletes.

Special Olympics GB thank greatly Loop Print from Harvest Lane in Sheffield for kindly donating their services to print the mural and also to The University of Hallam for allowing the mural to be erected opposite Sheffield train station on their estate.

Sheffield Artist Greg Harris said: “I sat down with Special Olympics athletes and art students from Art Works in Sheffield who informed me of their thoughts and ideas and also what characteristics and passions they wanted to see in the piece of outdoor art.

“The Art Works students also produced outstanding pieces of work which demonstrated what the Special Olympics Games means to them and that inspired me and this final piece.

“The quality of the initial art completed and displayed by the local students with learning disability to inspire our piece of work to celebrate the Special Olympics National Games in August 2017 demonstrated real talent, passion, vibrancy and inspiration from people with disability.

“I am very excited about this and I believe this outdoor city centre art mural between people with and without learning disability will be extremely engaging and I am so honoured to be involved.

“As someone who had learning difficulties as a child, attended special schools in Sheffield and told that I might not make much of my life, I am overwhelmed to see so much passion and talent within these students and athletes. I only see their ability.”

“The Special Olympics athletes are going to shout from the highest buildings and arenas in Sheffield next summer how brilliantly talented they are and I hope everyone will be listening and watching.

“I wanted to incorporate a feel of sporting celebration and Special Olympics athletes – surrounded by Sheffield icons. I know a lot of Sheffielders have fond memories of these iconic landmarks.

“I wanted to pay a tribute to Special Olympics’ athletes, Sheffield and these iconic landmarks.”

Chris Gray from Loop Print said: “We are delighted to be associated with Special Olympics GB National Games and support this piece of artwork. It is terrific that such a prestigious event like this is coming to Sheffield and a great advert for the city and all it has to offer.”

Liz Carrington, from Art Works, said: “We feel privileged to be a part of such a special project and event. The members of Art Works are full of excitement for our collaboration with the athletes and Greg Harris. After our session with the Special Olympics athletes and Greg the student artists were overflowing with inspiration and ideas. We are all really looking forward to the 2017 Sheffield Games.”

The final piece of work will be erected in a prominent position in Sheffield Centre across from the train station until the end of the Games in August 2017.

The piece of art will be 98 inches tall by 192 inches wide (approx. 8ft tall by 16ft wide) on the hoardings of Sheffield Hallam University – on the current building construction opposite the main train station in city centre.

The art is modern, uplifting, passionate, vibrant and embodies the spirit of sport, humanity, human endeavour, Special Olympics and Sheffield – all inspired under the banner of #SeeingIsBelieving – the Special Olympics GB National Games’ slogan.

For all enquires contact Chris Hull of Special Olympics GB on 07713193927.

Special Olympics National Games sees 20 sports take place across over a dozen venues in Sheffield and South Yorkshire during August 2017 – with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 8th August 2017 at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane Stadium followed by four days of sport. Special Olympics GB National Games – which are held every four years – will be the biggest disability sports event in the country in 2017, with 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities from across England, Scotland and Wales taking part in 20 different sports. These Games are a chance to make a huge difference to the lives of many, many inspiring athletes with learning disabilities and their families – who will remember this National Games experience forever.